Public Health

The salmonella outbreak that wasn't

June 16, 2008

In this dismal economy, every dollar counts, even the $1.49 it costs for a pound of tomatoes. Yet, such economic considerations didn't prevent many restaurants and grocers from doing the right thing in response to a salmonella outbreak in 17 states last week.

Food outlets that dropped tomatoes like hot potatoes included Burger King, McDonald's, Subway, Wal-Mart and Publix. Eating just wasn't the same without the bright red garnish, but South Floridians survived.

Federal health officials have since declared Florida tomatoes safe to eat, and some people may wonder whether businesses overreacted to the false scare. But it's better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to a public threat that has already made at least 228 people sick and claimed one life. Public health must always be a priority.